NBA Roundup: Bulls roll, Rockets hold off Pelicans as Monday NBA action delivers statement wins

Monday night action across the NBA featured dominant home performances, balanced scoring efforts, and a few surprising outcomes as several teams made early statements midway through the season.

Bulls overwhelm Nets with fast start in Chicago

The Chicago Bulls overwhelmed the Brooklyn Nets, 124–102, behind a strong all-around showing that set the tone early. Chicago raced to a 39-point first quarter and never looked back, controlling the tempo the rest of the way.

Coby White led all scorers with 24 points, while Brooklyn struggled to recover despite Nic Claxton’s 12-point effort in a lopsided loss at the United Center.

Rockets fend off Pelicans behind Smith Jr.’s big night

In Houston, the Rockets edged the New Orleans Pelicans, 119–110, in a tightly contested matchup that saw the hosts answer every Pelicans run.

Jabari Smith Jr. delivered a breakout performance with 32 points and eight rebounds, giving Houston the edge in key moments. New Orleans leaned on Zion Williamson’s 20-point, six-rebound night, but the Pelicans couldn’t keep pace late as the Rockets pulled away in the fourth.

Hornets stun Nuggets in Denver

One of the night’s biggest surprises came in Denver, where the Charlotte Hornets stunned the Nuggets, 110–87.

Charlotte controlled the game from start to finish, holding Denver to just 34 first-half points. Brandon Miller paced the Hornets with 23 points, while the Nuggets struggled offensively, led by Jalen Pickett’s 12 points and seven assists in a rare off night for the home side.

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BREAKING: LeBron James has now surpassed 51,000 career points —

GREATNESS. pic.twitter.com/nbtOjBiLwZ

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 19, 2026

Avdija shines as Blazers outlast Kings

In Sacramento, the Portland Trail Blazers outlasted the Kings, 117–110, in a back-and-forth contest decided by execution down the stretch.

Deni Avdija filled the stat sheet with 30 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, powering Portland to the road win. Sacramento stayed within striking distance behind Russell Westbrook’s 23 points, seven assists, and three steals, but couldn’t close the gap late.

Ayton anchors Lakers’ second-half surge vs Raptors

The night wrapped up in Los Angeles, where the Lakers pulled away in the second half to beat the Toronto Raptors, 110–93.

After a tight opening half, the Lakers’ defense clamped down, limiting Toronto to just 13 points in the fourth quarter. Deandre Ayton anchored the win with 25 points and 13 rebounds, while Brandon Ingram tallied 19 points, six rebounds, and seven assists for the Raptors in the loss.

LeBron James scored 24 points in the win notching 51,000 career points in the process. 

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